27/05/2026
Why are we so vulnerable at the centre?
Why do we keep suffering such devastating damage every time severe weather hits?
Right now, we estimate we need at least R40,000 simply to remove the most dangerous trees still threatening the centre.
The honest reality is that we are operating from a place of constant scarcity while facing costs that are simply beyond what a small wildlife rehabilitation centre can realistically manage alone.
When we took over the premises in 2020, we inherited a centre built amongst large pine trees which, although incredibly charming, have over the years become one of our greatest threats.
In our very first year, we managed to secure funding of R24,200 which allowed us to trim lower branches, remove several trees within the exhibition area, and chip debris to make the property safer. In 2023, a severe storm caused catastrophic damage to our reception and shop, as well as four bird enclosures. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community and supporters, we were able to repair the damage and keep moving forward.
During that period, Mark, one of our directors, personally felled 38 trees by hand in an effort to improve the safety of the centre.
Since then, we have spent a further R25,000 removing dangerous trees around our new reception area and education centre. Even after all of that, we were still left with enormous logs we cannot move ourselves and massive stumps nobody has been willing to remove.
We have continued trying to manage the remaining dangerous trees, but prior to this most recent storm we were receiving quotes of up to R25,000 PER TREE. Costs like these have left us feeling completely overwhelmed. Every rand spent on emergency tree work comes before the enormous costs of rebuilding enclosures, repairing fencing, replacing infrastructure, and paying for labour and materials.
This week, after countless quotes and enquiries, we finally received one that feels remotely achievable: R38,000 to remove a further 18 dangerous trees. Even so, it is still beyond what we currently have available.
Short of relocating the entire centre, which would itself cost an unimaginable amount, not to mention the fact that we currently have no alternative premises to move to, we are running out of options.
The recent storm damage across the centre has left us with:
• Damaged enclosures
• Broken perimeter fencing
• Fallen trees and debris throughout the property
All while we are still trying to recover from previous rebuilding costs following changes at The Heath and repeated storm damage over the years.
Right now, we urgently need financial support to keep our centre running and to tackle the major tasks ahead.
Over the past two weeks we have received donations, messages of support, and offers of help that have carried us through the month and We are deeply grateful. But the reality is that we are still nowhere near being able to tackle the scale of work ahead.
If you are able to help, know someone who may be willing to assist, or have ideas that could help us move forward, please get in touch.
If you would like to support us financially, EFT donations are welcome (please use your email address as the payment reference so we can thank you personally) Donations can also be made at reception via our Yoco machine.
Raptor Conservation NPC
First National Bank
Bank Account 63000514067
Branch Code 210514
FIRNZAJJ
If you are not in a position to donate financially, please continue following our page for updates on other ways you may be able to assist, and help us by sharing our posts to spread awareness.
Many parts of Harkerville are still without electricity, creating ongoing challenges not only for recovery efforts, but also for planning and rebuilding moving forward.
Every share, message of support, and act of kindness helps more than you know.
Thank you for standing with us and the wildlife that depends on this centre. ❤️
